Rhode Island ranked among worst states for business in 2026 CNBC report

The 2026 CNBC Top States for Business report is out and things are not looking good for Rhode Island.

The Ocean State finished 48th overall in the 2026 rankings, making it the lowest-ranked state in the continental United States. Only Alaska (49th) and Hawaii (50th) ranked lower, while neighboring Massachusetts finished 15th. This year’s top three states were Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia.

CNBC evaluated all 50 states using 138 metrics across 10 categories that influence where businesses choose to locate, expand, and invest. The study examined areas such as infrastructure, workforce, economic strength, business friendliness, education, technology and innovation, access to capital, quality of life, the cost of living, and the cost of doing business. Infrastructure carried the most weight in this year’s rankings.

Rhode Island’s placement highlights the challenges the state continues to face in competing for new businesses, investment, and job growth compared with much of the country.

What do you think is the biggest reason Rhode Island continues to rank near the bottom when it comes to business?